Gabby Goodwin and her mother lived in the trailer park when she was a child and considered by the town folk and other students of Cricket Creek as trailer trash. Now an adult after persistence has endured and her mother now deceased, she has opened her own flower shop called Flower Power in the same town after completing college. Property is changing hands and new businesses opening, of which one is River Row Pizza. Flower Power is among the other new shops in Wedding Row area. Her childhood bad boy friend, Reese Parker, is back in town from Brooklyn and half owner of the shop. Gabby's mother's constant words of advice to her were to "find and marry a good strong and steady man". Gabby's father deserted her and her mother long ago andwith no further word from him.

Reese and his mother Tessa have discarded his father's name and are now going by his mom's maiden name of Marino. His father disappeared 10 years ago without a goodbye and no further contact which left them struggling for existence. Reese's business partner is his uncle Tony, an older and gorgeous Italian hunk mirroring Reese in looks. With his love for Gabby still alive, convincing her he's no longer the badass hot headed guy who can't be trusted, is going to take some work. Finding out Reese is not just a pizza delivery guy but also owner, is a surprise to Gabby. Reese admits his love for Gabby but his anger and attitude return when his father shows up after all those years. Gabby has trouble convincing herself he can truly be the kind of man her mother intended for her after his change of attitude.

LuAnn McLane does not disappoint! Reading this clever tale of growing up and leaving your years of insecurity behind is packed with emotion and hot, hot sex. This is a very cleverly written story that is guaranteed to keep your attention, always in this author's scheme of writing. I couldn't help but feel the desperation in these characters as well as the elated fulfillment. I truly love the works by this author and strive to read everything she writes.

Book Summary

Cricket Creek, Kentucky, is a sweet river town known for its baseball, shopping, and weddings. After the recession, business is finally bouncing back, but old insecurities—and heartaches—are slower to heal… Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Gabby Goodwin had more to prove than the rest of Cricket Creek. Even now, as the successful owner of the local flower shop, she hasn’t forgotten her humble beginnings. So when her high school crush, the former class bad boy, walks back into her life, she keeps him at arm’s length, protecting her heart—and her pride. Reese Marino gave up most of his wild ways years ago, graduating from college and becoming part owner of his uncle’s pizza parlor. The fact that Gabby still treats him like a troubled teenager drives him mad, but that’s not the only thing about the sassy florist driving him to distraction. Despite Gabby’s reluctant attitude, Reese is determined to win her over and show her that love often blooms right where you least expect it.

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